Running her own vegan-friendly, cruelty-free company. Creating awesome makeup and hair tutorials. Charming viewers with her bubbly persona. Is there anything Kristen Leanne can’t do? The California-based vlogger, model and animal-lover juggles many hats, and thankfully, she’s letting us in on a few of her secrets.
Here, the business-savvy beauty tells us what inspired her hair colour range, reveals her day-to-day beauty routine and shares her very favourite beauty bargain.
A Q+A With Kristen Leanne
What inspired you to create a cruelty-free, vegan hair colour range?
My husband and I had both been colouring our hair for many, many years. We had used almost every colour line out there and had different issues with each line, whether it was the fact that they tested on animals, the colour ran down our neck at the gym, or the colour didn’t stick. So, we decided to do something about our frustrations rather than just accept that’s how it is. Cut to 2 years later, Arctic Fox was born.
After you came up with the initial idea, what was your first step you took to making it a reality?
The first step is always to securing your intellectual property. Then, finding the right lab to work with takes quite a long time. Formulating also takes a very long time if you’re picky—like we are!
What do you wish someone had told you before you started Arctic Fox?
“You should create a hair colour line sooner”! Everyone gives you advice on what you should and should not do, but the truth is that you learn from every mistake you make, and Arctic Fox is the result of many businesses I had before, not making it, and learning from those situations.
What’s been the most rewarding part of starting your own business?
I love being able to use my own products, knowing they’re the best I can get my hands on. I also am in love with the fact that we donate 15% of our profits to three different charities to prevent animal abuse.
What is your daily beauty routine?
My daily beauty routine changes from day to day—depends on what I’m doing for the day and how I feel. Most days you can find me in gym clothes with a fresh face and no makeup! I do have an intense night time skincare routine and in the morning I always wash, moisturise and cover my face in SPF.
If you could only use 5 products for a month, what would they be and why?
Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea face wash, foundation, mascara, bronzer and a brow pencil. I can create a pretty natural look with those key items.
How do you keep your YouTube content fresh?
I listen to what my fans want! They’re usually on the up and up with the newest, greatest products and they keep me in the loop.
What’s trending in 2017?
Seems like glitter and sequins are on their way to the top, if not already!
What is your number one makeup tip?
BLENDDD! And then blend some more!
What is your best beauty bargain?
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation and Essence lip liners.
Quick Questions:
Born and raised: San Diego, CA
Currently lives: Carlsbad, CA
Personal motto/daily mantra: “Luck? I don’t know anything about luck. I’ve never banked on it and I’m afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work – and realising what is opportunity and what isn’t.” – Lucille Ball
Most people don’t know this about me: I LOVE 90s country music
My most used emoji is: 😻
My pet peeve is: Smoking and chewing with your mouth open
Wake up time: 6 am
Morning ritual: Double espresso, vitamins and gym
Last thing I do before bed: Sit on my phone
Guilty pleasure: Hot cheeto fries
3 things vital to my day: Sunshine, espresso and a kiss from my husband
App: weheartit
Website: YouTube
Binge watch: The 100
Insta-stalk: @SimplyNailogical & @Natalie_Roser
